StARR rolling along on select dates

NEWTOWN SQUARE -- The trains are running on selected dates as the St. Alban’s Railroad, known at StARR, holds its 23rd annual open house on Dec. 28 & 29, Jan. 4 & 5, 18 & 19, Feb. 1 &2 , and Feb. 15 & 16, all Saturday and Sunday events from 1-4 p.m.

The railroad’s completely rebuilt steel mill continues to expand and now features an accurately rendered open hearth, thanks to a generous donor. Also featured are a maintenance of way train, a finely detailed oil refinery, and improvements to the Wilson Coke Plant which is still in progress.

The tunnel connecting Sonestown with Perkiomen Junction is still under construction, a great opportunity to see how the railroad is made, as well as the continued rebuilding of the Reading module.

Techie alert! All switches on the main line are now controlled by computer assisted central dispatch and the computer assisted signal system is now complete.

StARR’s 4000 square foot layout, using “state of the art” Digital Command Control (DCC), fills a 4000-square-foot room with 225 feet of four-track main line and 3 branch lines. Using a unique custom waybill system for freight and passenger operations, over 900 pieces of rolling stock are routed throughout various eras featured in the eastern Pennsylvanian scenery.

Follow the video camera equipped locomotive and see the scenery from the engineer’s perspective! Realistic operations include modules featuring an operating transfer table, electronic turntable and three working freight yards with engine facilities and a large variety of equipment. StARR has often been termed the “most kid friendly” model railroad group in the greater metropolitan area because the club offers hands on displays. “Thomas the Tank Engine” operates here ! Members sometimes offer visiting kids an opportunity to “operate” on the railroad.

StARR also operates the “Hogwart’s Express” complete with British whistle. Don’t miss the informational slide show, on computer, which supplies lot’s of details for all visiting rivet counters.

Finally, visitors can shop the white elephant table for great bargains in trains, buildings and accesories. StARR is not handicapped accessible at this time. For more information visit our website: StARR-MRC.org

Best time to visit is between 2:and 3 p.m. No admission is charged, but donations are greatly appreciated.

The Saint Albans Railroad Fellowship (StARR) is an outreach ministry of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 3625 Chapel Road, Newtown Square. The club has been meeting for 23 years in the basement under the Thrift Shop. Membership, which includes members from the surrounding five county area, includes a wide range of ages. New members are always welcome.